Chapter Twenty-Four: Undercurrents Surge

Zhanyan followed Zhongli Yu out of the main residence, intending to return to Pear Blossom Courtyard, but Zhongli Yu took her hand, leading her toward the main gate. "Let’s go out for a walk. We’ll dine outside later."

"Alright," she replied, for there was nothing pressing to attend to at home, and a stroll seemed pleasant enough.

They didn’t take a carriage, but simply walked hand in hand along the bustling street. Passersby could not help but pause, casting sidelong glances at the pair.

"Isn’t that Prince Chun? The lady beside him must be his wife, right?"

"Yes, I heard he married yesterday."

"Whose family is she from? She’s truly beautiful."

"I’m not sure, but they say she’s from a small county town, not from any prominent household."

"That can’t be right. How could such a refined and lovely woman come from an unremarkable family?"

"I used to think Miss Lin Xuelian from the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s residence was the most beautiful woman in the world, but the Princess Chun surpasses her by several degrees."

"No wonder Prince Chun had no interest in Miss Lin."

"They make such a well-matched couple."

The murmurs drifted to them—both highly skilled in martial arts, their hearing was keen. Not a word escaped their notice.

"Zhongli Yu, it seems everyone now knows you married an obscure woman," Zhanyan teased, arching her brow playfully.

"My Yan’er is famous now. I almost want to hide you away so no one else can see," Zhongli Yu replied, his tone muffled with possessiveness.

"Then next time I’ll wear a veil when we go out."

"No need. I like to see you just as you are."

"But you won’t let anyone else see me."

"Fine, let them look once. If they dare stare again, I’ll dig out their eyes," he declared, raising his voice on purpose.

Those who had been gazing at Zhanyan shuddered and hastily averted their eyes.

Zhanyan couldn’t help but laugh. Was there anyone more domineering than this man?

"Are you hungry? Let’s eat," Zhongli Yu asked gently.

"A little," she admitted.

He led her to a restaurant, where bold calligraphy spelled out "Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion" above the entrance—a place Zhanyan often visited, renowned for its excellent cuisine.

"Prince Chun, welcome! We’ve kept your usual private room for you. Would you like to change to another?" The manager greeted them warmly, pausing for a moment upon seeing Zhanyan, but quickly regaining his composure.

"No, the same room as always," Zhongli Yu replied coolly.

"Very well." The manager nodded cheerfully.

Zhongli Yu guided Zhanyan up to the third floor. Diners in the main hall couldn’t help but look their way, each gaze filled with admiration.

"Is Prince Chun here to dine as well?" As they reached the door to Zhongli Yu’s usual room, about to enter, a voice called out. Zhanyan looked up—it was Prince Jin, the Fifth Prince, whom she had seen at the Lantern Festival.

"Prince Jin," Zhongli Yu greeted him with a nod, his tone as calm as ever.

"This must be Princess Chun? Prince Chun is truly fortunate," Prince Jin remarked, his eyes full of envy as he looked at Zhanyan. Naturally, he did not recognize her from before; whenever she appeared in the capital, she was always in disguise.

"Greetings, Prince Jin," Zhanyan said politely, offering a small curtsey.

He gazed at her, reluctant to look away, her beautiful eyes hauntingly familiar. He stared, oblivious to his own rudeness.

"Prince Jin, my wife is hungry. We’ll take our leave," Zhongli Yu said with displeasure, squeezing Zhanyan’s hand and opening the door. They entered, leaving Prince Jin to cover his awkwardness with a cough before descending the stairs.

The next morning, Zhanyan woke to find the bed beside her cold—Zhongli Yu had clearly been up for quite some time.

"Qingyun, come in and help me," she called.

"Yes, miss," Qingyun replied, carrying a basin into the room.

"Where is the prince?"

"Miss, his lordship went to the study early this morning. Would you like breakfast first?"

"No, I’ll find him and eat with him later." After washing and dressing, Zhanyan made her way to the study.

At the door, she found Lihun standing guard. He bowed respectfully as she approached.

"May I go in?" Zhanyan asked politely.

"Your Highness, the prince has said you are free to enter any place in the residence," Lihun replied.

Zhanyan nodded and entered. The study was spacious, the shelves lined with tens of thousands of books, the floor paved with marble, and several luminous pearls illuminating the room. Zhongli Yu sat at his desk, poring over a thick stack of confidential reports. Seeing her, he smiled tenderly. "Come here."

Obediently, she went to his side, and he pulled her onto his lap.

He continued to read the reports. One read: "The Thousand Venoms Sect has been increasingly active, secretly abducting many to join their ranks and using drugs to control them."

Zhanyan frowned. "What exactly is the Thousand Venoms Sect after?"

"We don’t know yet. For now, we observe. Do you remember the masked man who drugged you the night you infiltrated the sect? He appears to be from Xiyuan," Zhongli Yu said, his expression grave. If Xiyuan agents had infiltrated Dongling, the situation was dire indeed.

"Are they planning to invade Dongling?"

"It’s possible. I’ve already placed men to watch the sect," Zhongli Yu replied, ruffling her hair. "Have you had breakfast?"

"No, I was waiting for you."

"Then let’s eat," he said, taking her hand and heading for the door.

"But you still have so many reports left. Am I disturbing you?" Zhanyan asked, noting the untouched stack.

"Not at all. Food can’t wait. Would you like to work in the study with me later? Or shall I prepare you a separate study?" He had always known she was no ordinary woman and wanted her to have her own space.

"No need. This study is large enough," Zhanyan said with a shake of her head. Since she had married him, there was no need to keep things from him.

After breakfast, they returned to the study. Zhanyan called for Lanyun and Lanxue to bring her work there.

Among the reports from her people, there were also updates about the Thousand Venoms Sect. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something momentous was about to happen.

The study was quiet. They sat across from each other, each absorbed in their own affairs, bathed in warm, tranquil sunlight.

"Young master, Eunuch Lin from His Majesty’s side requests an audience. The emperor summons you to the palace at once," came Qingxian’s voice from outside.

"I understand. I’ll go at once," Zhongli Yu replied calmly.

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